Trick or Treat, celebrating challenges

It's that spooky time of year where we enjoy putting on costumes and playing different roles...just a little. It's probably all about the candy, but maybe it's also about adding excitement to the ordinary.

It's all about balance: boring and brilliant, comforting and challenging, familiar and fantasy. We all have our own definition of what constitutes a challenge as well as what qualifies as basic contentment. (I'm thinking about painting here!)

Painting - we hope - brings restorative zen moments, but it also causes frustration and consternation. When we have trouble getting started its the frustration that looms large! Really, the most satisfying paintings will frustrate and restore. Ya gotta eat the vegetables before you can enjoy dessert.

Recently our painting group was discussing what holds us back, the challenges of getting started and how to establish productive routines. Of course it's different for everyone - we all have other commitments: work, family, etc. Fear of frustration and failure is probably the biggest deterent, until we remember that time spent painting can be the wonderful dessert of life.

What's really cool is when painting becomes your vegetables, your sustenance. That's when you know you're hooked. And of course for me, it's often literally... vegetables.

Heirloom and Hubbard ©2018 Dorothy Lorenze, 6x8"

We're coming into the busy holiday season with all its added responsibilities as well as moments of wonder. My advice is to take it all in, relax and enjoy the cookies... but eat your vegetables to keep you going. It may be harder to find the time, but it's always good for you.

If you're an art enthusiast rather than an art maker, this is a great time to exercise your creativity by finding unique gifts at holiday craft shows and art exhibits. Discovering the perfect piece for someone's life and personality is an exciting adventure. Ridgefield Guild of Artists and  Putnam Arts Council both offer holiday gift fantasy worlds in November and December where you can find unique artistic offerings.

Closer to home, my paintings will be at Who's Cooking in Croton Falls through November 26th, including the veggies, Heirloom and Hubbard, above.

The added bonus about stopping by Who's Cooking is being tempted to treat yourself to a great lunch, bring home a gourmet meal for your family or plan a catered holiday event with Russell, whose culinary taste is exquisite. No stress and delicious - the best way to eat your vegetables and enjoy dessert!

Below are some of my paintings on exhibit there. Except the interior with the red chair (second from right) which, I'm thrilled to say, is going to a new home!

There are still lifes, interiors and holiday paintings, as well as some sweet little florals on display.

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Vintage Sleigh Bells (l) and Santa's Chocolate Shadow (that one cracks me up!)

This month I also delivered a painting to the Oil Painters of America's Eastern Regional show in Annapolis, MD. It was my first acceptance into a show by this prestigious organization and I'm thrilled to be included. The exhibit is at the McBride Gallery right on Main St. and the folks there couldn't have been nicer. The show runs through November 28th, so if you happen to be in the area... or need a road trip to a sweet historic town, stop by. I know you will enjoy it!

McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD site of OPA's Eastern Regional Exhibit

I hope you have a Happy Halloween with lots of little, smiling faces delighting in the festivities!

WELCOME to all the new readers of my newsletter! If you'd like to look back on earlier posts you can go here to search for subjects, or just browse.

My warmest thanks to all for joining me on my artistic journey!